Now, what I chiefly come to ask your rede
in, is how to make her sure?"
"Wouldst thou murder her, then?"
"Umph! no, no; that I would not do, if I could help it. But they say
they can whiles get folk cannily away to the plantations from some of
the outports, and something to boot for them that brings a bonny wench.
They're wanted beyond seas thae female cattle, and they're no that
scarce here. But I think o' doing better for this lassie. There's a
leddy, that, unless she be a' the better bairn, is to be sent to foreign
parts whether she will or no; now, I think of sending Grace to wait on
her--she's a bonny lassie. Hobbie will hae a merry morning when he comes
hame, and misses baith bride and gear."
"Ay; and do you not pity him?" said the Recluse.
"Wad he pity me were I gaeing up the Castle hill at Jeddart? [ The
place of execution at that ancient burgh, where many of Westburnflat's
profession have made their final exit.] And yet I rue something for the
bit lassie; but he'll get anither, and little skaith dune--ane is as
gude as anither.
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